Disability Equipment & Assistive Technology (UK Guide)
Disability equipment and assistive technology can help people live more independently, stay safe, communicate
effectively, access education and employment, and
participate fully in everyday life.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology refers to equipment, devices, software, and adaptations that help people overcome barriers caused by disability, illness, injury, or age-related conditions.
It may support:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Vision
- Hearing
- Memory
- Learning
- Daily living
- Safety
- Employment
- Education
- Independent living
NHS Information
- NHS Equipment to Help You at Home
- NHS Social Care and Support Guide
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can help people with mobility difficulties, long-term health conditions, injuries, neurological conditions, and disabilities.
Types of Wheelchairs
Manual Wheelchairs
- Self-propelled
- Attendant-propelled
- Lightweight models
- Active-user wheelchairs
Powered Wheelchairs
- Electric controls
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Specialist seating options
- Customisable controls
Specialist Wheelchairs
- Postural support wheelchairs
- Bariatric wheelchairs
- Tilt-in-space wheelchairs
- Complex rehabilitation chairs
NHS Wheelchair Services
Many people may be referred to NHS Wheelchair Services through:
- GP
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Hospital team
Eligibility varies by local NHS service.
Information
- NHS Wheelchair Services Information
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters can help people travel independently.
Types
Class 2 Scooters
- Pavement use
- Lower speeds
- Short journeys
Class 3 Scooters
- Road and pavement use
- Higher speed capability
- Longer journeys
Considerations
- Storage
- Charging
- Insurance
- Accessibility of routes
- Transport arrangements
Information
Communication Aids
Communication aids can support people who have speech, language, communication or cognitive difficulties.
Examples
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Communication boards
- Symbol systems
- Speech-generating devices
- Eye-gaze systems
Digital Communication
- Tablets with communication software
- Voice output devices
- Text-to-speech technology
Literacy Support
- Reading support software
- Dictation software
- Word prediction software
NHS Communication Support
Some people may access communication aids through specialist NHS services.
Information
- NHS Accessible Information Standard
Hearing Aids & Hearing Technology
People with hearing loss may benefit from hearing support equipment.
Examples
NHS Hearing Aids
- Digital hearing aids
- Behind-the-ear aids
- Specialist hearing devices
Additional Equipment
- Amplified telephones
- Alerting systems
- Hearing loops
- Captioning technology
- Bluetooth hearing devices
NHS Information
Visual Aids & Sight Loss Technology
People with sight loss may benefit from equipment that supports independence.
Examples
Optical Aids
- Magnifiers
- Electronic magnifiers
- Reading aids
Technology
- Screen readers
- Voice assistants
- OCR scanners
- Accessible smartphones
- Braille technology
Daily Living Equipment
- Talking clocks
- Talking thermometers
- Colour detectors
- Accessible kitchen equipment
Information
RNIB Helpline
- Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Smart Technology & Digital Accessibility
Modern technology can significantly improve independence.
Smart Home Devices
Examples include:
- Smart speakers
- Voice assistants
- Smart lighting
- Smart plugs
- Automated door systems
- Smart locks
Health & Safety Technology
Examples include:
- Medication reminders
- Fall detectors
- Personal alarms
- GPS tracking devices
- Telecare systems
Communication Technology
Examples include:
- Video relay services
- Speech-to-text software
- Text-to-speech systems
- Live captioning
Daily Living Equipment
Many people benefit from simple equipment to support daily activities.
Examples include:
Kitchen Aids
- Adapted cutlery
- Kettle tippers
- Jar openers
- One-handed kitchen tools
Personal Care Equipment
- Shower chairs
- Bath boards
- Long-handled aids
- Dressing aids
Home Safety Equipment
- Grab rails
- Bed rails
- Sensor lighting
- Personal alarms
Telecare & Monitoring Systems
Telecare can support people living independently.
Examples include:
- Fall detectors
- Smoke alarms linked to monitoring services
- Emergency call systems
- GPS location devices
- Medication monitoring
Information
Funding Options
One of the most important questions people ask is how to pay for disability equipment.
NHS Funding
The NHS may provide equipment where it is assessed as medically necessary.
Support may include:
- Wheelchairs
- Hearing aids
- Communication aids
- Specialist equipment
Speak with:
- GP
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Specialist healthcare teams
Local Authority Support
Your local council may help provide:
- Daily living equipment
- Home adaptations
- Telecare equipment
- Community equipment services
Information
Disabled Facilities Grant
You may be eligible for financial help towards home adaptations.
Examples include:
- Ramps
- Stairlifts
- Accessible bathrooms
- Widened doors
- Adapted kitchens
Information
Access to Work
People in employment may receive support with workplace equipment.
Support may include:
- Specialist technology
- Communication support
- Adapted equipment
- Workplace adjustments
Information
Contact
- Telephone: 0800 121 7479
- Textphone: 0800 121 7579
Charitable Grants
Some charities may provide grants for equipment and disability-related costs.
Organisations
Motability Scheme
Eligible people may use qualifying mobility benefits for:
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Powered wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
Information
Contact
- Telephone: 0300 456 4566
Equipment for Education
Students may receive support through:
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) support
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Information
Equipment for Employment
Employers may provide reasonable adjustments.
Examples include:
- Specialist software
- Ergonomic equipment
- Communication technology
- Alternative keyboards
- Adapted workstations
Information
Veterans & Service Personnel
Additional support may be available through:
- Veterans charities
- Armed Forces support organisations
- Specialist rehabilitation services
Information
If You Cannot Get the Equipment You Need
You can:
- Request a reassessment.
- Ask for an Occupational Therapy assessment.
- Request a review of funding decisions.
- Seek advocacy support.
- Contact specialist disability organisations.
Advocacy & Advice
Citizens Advice:
- Telephone: 0800 144 8848
Useful Disability Organisations
Information on rights, benefits, independent living and accessibility.
Disability equality and support services.
Support for blind and partially sighted people.
RNID
Support for deaf people and those with hearing loss.
Essential Contacts
Service
Contact
NHS 111
111
Emergency Services
999
Access to Work
0800 121 7479
Motability
0300 456 4566
RNIB Helpline
0303 123 9999
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848
Disability Rights UK
Via website
Scope
Via website